A choice of moorings in Reading

Wednesday, 05 October 2011 12:13

I think we have had the best of the weather for a while and as we left the country for the town it was not without regret.

Reflective Shiplake

As we expected the River Thames to be quieter after the weekend, we hoped to find our Reading mooring without a problem ......

We decided to go the long way around the islands knowns as The Lynch and Hallsmead Eyot! There are a number of rough mooring spots on the bank - the "Ovaltine" boat was on one of them.

Ovaltine boat

Jerome K Jerome says of this stretch "below Sonning (the river) ... is very placid, hushed and lonely. It is a part of the river to dream of bygone days, vanished forms and faces and things that might have been, but are not, confound them".

He is so right - the people of the river, long gone, would not recognise the motor cruisers and narrowboats that populate here. We know of a number of boaters who return here again and again for the peace and quiet, including us.

Sonning is a lovely place to visit - but no shops to speak of as we found out on our way downstream. Amazingly, it used to be the seat of eight Bishops - not all at the same time though. There were twin cathedrals and a Bishop's Palace.

The graceful bridge can be a hazard, though. Beware of other boats coming the other way - we have met boats here both times. It is not surprising as the lock is just above the bridge.

On this occasion the downstream narrowboat kindly gave way to us 

Boats coming downstream usually have priority on the Thames - they can find it more difficult to stop if there is a flow on. We think that there is probably room for two narrowboats under the central arch of Sonning Bridge, but if it was a wide cruiser, now that would be a different matter!

Sonning Lock ahead

Sonning Lock is usually one of the prettiest and well kept on the river. The flowers are now "going over" and I wanted to ask the Lock Keeper if he was already planning his planting for next year - but I didn't get the chance as he was too busy chatting to his companion.

Now we were getting very near Reading and as we passed Kennet Mouth I took the obligatory photo, which I won't inflict upon you!  We were on the Kennet and Avon back in May - we have seen and done so much since then.

Just past Kennet Mouth this wooden boat is still afloat on the offside ... or is it?

Tesco on Thames moorings looked very autumnal

Waving to George on nb Rock and Roll as we went by, we made for Caversham Lock, our last of the day. 

The Blade over King's Meadow below Caversham Lock

Autumn was definitely upon us. The trees and the leaves tell their own story as we approached Reading Bridge from the lock cut.

Reading Bridge

The moorings above the bridge were empty; our ideal spot against Christchurch Meadows was available. We have a few things to do in Reading, so will be staying a while - but I will try to keep you updated as we go ......

River Thames, Shiplake to Reading
1 hour 49 minutes, 5.07 miles, 2 locks